California’s newest beachgoers are barely bigger than a handful, but they’ve already made history.
Olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings have emerged from the first-ever confirmed natural sea turtle nests on the US West Coast, making an adorable dash across the sand and into the Pacific.
“We’re pleased that some sea turtle eggs were viable and have not only already successfully hatched, but the hatchlings have also made their journey across the sand to the ocean,” said Dr. Lance Adams, Aquarium of the Pacific director of veterinary services.
The breakthrough began in mid-September, when two nests were discovered in Seal Beach and Huntington Beach.
Fearing tropical storms could wash away the eggs, federal officials and local partners, led by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, arranged for biologists to move them to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
The eggs were collected Sept. 25 and placed in incubators beneath sand inside a secure, temperature- and humidity-controlled room.
The precaution proved worthwhile, as both beaches later experienced high surf and standing water near the nesting sites following Tropical Storm Rachel.
Olive ridleys are among the world’s smallest sea turtles, typically found in tropical waters across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Their Pacific breeding colonies in Mexico are listed as endangered, while other populations are classified as threatened.
Why the turtles chose Southern California remains a mystery, although the unusual nesting activity could have significant implications for the species and local conservation efforts.
“Whether the reason for the nests in Southern California was because of our weather patterns, or a simple anomaly, this is an important conservation story,” said Jeff Flocken, Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO.
A third nest was discovered farther north in Ventura County on Nov. 1, raising the possibility that even more turtles have nested along the coast.
The tiny survivors still face daunting odds. Hatchlings must swim continuously for days to reach deeper waters, dodging predators and searching for food. An estimated one in 1,000 olive ridley hatchlings survives to adulthood.
Anyone who spots turtle tracks, a nesting turtle or a turtle in distress should alert a local lifeguard or call the 24-hour West Coast Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at 562-506-4315.
The protected animals should never be disturbed or harassed.
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